News alert / Doctors taking new career paths

Rising numbers of doctors are moving away from the traditional postgraduate training model and choosing increased flexibility and less linear career pathways, according to the General Medical Council. The state of medical education and practice: workforce report 2023 said this could include training breaks, working part-time or as locums, undertaking research or choosing to work as specialty and associate specialist (SAS) or locally employed doctors. But the regulator said that, rather than a threat to workforce stability, this could help reduce burnout and dissatisfaction among medics, improve work-life balance and increase the likelihood of doctors staying in UK practice.